Discover the 2026 Coastal Village Workation: A Unique Blend of Work and Leisure in Korea

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On the 6th, the Korea Fisheries and Coastal Community Organization — part of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries — opened applications for its 2026 Coastal Village Workation, a stay-and-work program set against sweeping ocean views.

It’s not just a quick getaway: the program is a residential experience where participants actually live in coastal villages during their stay.

Funded by the Rural–Urban Cooperation Fund from the Foundation for Large and Small Businesses and Agricultural–Fisheries Cooperation, the initiative turned idle village spaces into shared offices. Tied to the ministry’s efforts to boost village self-sufficiency, the program spotlights coastal life with curated stays, hands-on experiences, and meals made from local ingredients.

Last year, 574 city residents took part, generating 278 million KRW (approximately 208,500 USD) in revenue during weekdays and the off-season — helping the program establish itself as a fresh income model for coastal communities.

This year it’s running at 13 designated coastal experience-and-recreation villages across the country. Stays range from a one-night, two-day option up to three nights and four days. Participants work from sea-adjacent offices and start their mornings with breakfasts made from regional ingredients before heading out on village-specific experiences.

Favorites from last year’s satisfaction survey included Ponae Village in Incheon — praised for its easy access from the Seoul metropolitan area; Seopsido Village in South Chungcheong — valued for the island’s relaxed pace; and Sagye Village in Jeju — lauded for workspaces with sweeping sea views.

Details and sign-ups are available on the Bada Travel website. Fees vary by village and typically cover office use, lodging, breakfast, and activity costs.

A tiered subsidy is offered depending on length of stay. Hong Jong-wook, director of the Korea Fisheries and Coastal Community Organization, said, “The coastal village workation transforms village spaces and resources into new workplaces and stay-style travel destinations. We aim to grow this into a flagship model that offers city dwellers fresh remote-work experiences and gives coastal communities a sustainable income stream.”